About Tommy Lopez

Itawamba Community College sophomore right-handed pitcher and outfielder Jake Smith signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at the University of North Alabama on Tuesday.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Smith. “I’ve played baseball my whole life and it’s what I do and what I know. I just want to thank Coach (Rick) Collier for bringing me [to ICC] to be part of a great baseball program and help better prepare me to play on the next level.”

Smith transferred to ICC after one season at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama.

“Jake could be a starter or a relief guy on the mound for us this season,” said ICC head baseball coach Rick Collier. “He’s also an excellent outfielder and we are expecting big things out of him this season. I really feel like he’ll be able to come in right away and help UNA as a two-way guy.”

As a senior at New Hope High School, Smith batted .360 with 32 hits (4 double, 5 home runs) to drive in 26 runs while scoring 21 more to go along with 11 stolen bases, .420 on-base and .573 slugging percentages.

On the mound, he had a 6-0 record with a 1.47 ERA and 38 strikeouts, including a season-high 10 strikeouts in a 5-3 win against Houston.

Smith is the fourth member of the Indians’ baseball team to sign with a D1 program during the early signing period. All-American pitcher Ben Hudspeth (Tupelo) signed with Mississippi State University, shortstop Tyler Tipton (Shelbyville, KY) signed with the University of Kentucky and pitcher Dylan Earnest (Hamilton) signed with Southeastern Louisiana University earlier this month.